Dáil Éireann Debate, Tuesday - 12 February 2013
659. Deputy Róisín Shortall asked the Minister for Health if he will set out the projected cumulative monthly savings in respect of each of the savings measures outlined in part C of his Department's chapter of the budget 2013 expenditure report 2013. [6839/13]
View answerDeveloping appropriate budgets is an integral part of the regional plans, and it is intended to finalise these regional plans by the end of February. The HSE is currently working closely with the Regional Directors and relevant programme directors to profile their budgets appropriately. It is not possible at this stage to provide details of how individual savings measures will be profiled across 2013, particularly in light of the fact that legislation is required for some of them.
Maximising the potential for pay savings under the Croke Park Agreement is also critical in achieving the savings target. The HSE's National Service Plan includes €150m in unallocated pay savings which are not, as yet, reflected in the programme or regional budgets. These pay savings targets will be allocated when the terms of the expected agreement with public sector unions on an extension of the Public Service Agreement becomes known. The talks process has progressed over the last 4 weeks, supported by the Labour Relations Commission. Achieving a successful outcome remains a significant challenge. All parties remain focused on seeking to conclude an agreement by the end of February.
